The people who count for VIDA count because they love literature. It would probably be an understatement to suggest they prefer reading over math. We wanted to learn more about what drives the individuals who make the annual VIDA Count possible. And because we are so grateful to these interns for so generously volunteering their time, we’ve launched a fundraising campaign to pay our Counters.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I hail from NYC, but am currently living in Boulder, Colorado for graduate school—I’m pursuing an M.A. in Comparative Literature with a certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. I study Italian, Japanese, and French, and I’m starting to do some work in literary translation from those languages. I also write poetry and essays—both creative and critical. I love short stories and sitcoms, I have a truly excessive collection of dresses with silly animal patterns, and I only barely know how to drive a car.
Why did you decide to become involved with the VIDA Count?
I’ve admired the work VIDA does since I first learned of it, so when I found out—probably on twitter—that they were accepting applications for interns I jumped on the opportunity. As a woman working in a few different fields within the literary arts, it’s pretty clear to me why this mission is important. I also think it’s a great community of talented women, and that’s something I’m always excited to be a part of.
Do you have a favorite book / poem / novel / short story?
My favorite poem hands down is “The Nuisance” by Marge Piercy. I love all of her stuff, but her poetry in particular—if you haven’t already read her, go do it right now. “For the Young Who Want To” is another great poem of hers that I’m sure will resonate with anyone of the aspiring writer sort.
What literary journals would you suggest readers be on the lookout for?
I read submissions for a relatively small online journal called Noble/Gas Quarterly, so I’ll happily take this chance to advertise that. We’re sort of an offbeat newcomer, and devoted to publishing work by offbeat newcomers. We’ve only had a couple of issues so far, but I think our VIDA numbers would look pretty good.
Some slightly bigger—but still independent—ones I recommend highly are Birdfeast and The Atlas Review. And I’ve been finding lately some great online magazines, such as Two Serious Ladies, that are built on the idea of promoting work by women, so that is pretty cool.
Sara Iacovelli is a native New Yorker who believes in short stories and short skirts. She writes mainly creative nonfiction and poetry and starting this fall will be pursuing an M.A. in comparative literature from CU Boulder. She also works in a bar. Follow her at @sarayikes!